Premier League stars join Chichester coach's Zoom football sessions
Zoom Ballers is helping to keep kids active during lockdown
Last updated 2nd Feb 2021
A Chichester football coach's online training sessions for children have received the support of Premier League footballers.
Gavin Dutton, who normally trains Chichester City's under-7s and under-12s, has been putting on a series of free 'Zoom Ballers' HIIT sessions during the coronavirus lockdown.
The sessions aim to help keep kids aged between 6 and 15 years old active and engaged in sport while they're unable to take part in PE lessons.
Zoom Ballers is also raising money for three charities - the Arundel-based Chestnut Tree House children's hospice, the Sussex Snowdrop Trust and the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Among the stars to have taken part in sessions are Everton and England's Michael Keane and Brighton and Hove Albion's Adam Webster.
Now Chelsea midfielder and England international Mason Mount is set to join young fans to answer questions after the 5pm Zoom Ballers training session on Tuesday (February 2nd).
Gavin has said that he's been in touch with other stars who would like to get involved in the sessions too:
“There has been a lot of talk about children’s mental health during the pandemic, with schools being closed and sporting, social and leisure activities unable to take place.
"Some young people are really struggling during lockdown, and parents too as it’s hard to know how to motivate youngsters. I wanted to stay in touch with my youth teams and continue training, so had to think outside the box.
"I also know how challenging it is for charities right now, so wanted to do something to help them too.”
The sessions began with around 20-30 Chichester-based players during the first lockdown last year.
That number has grown substantially since then with children from across the country joining in - and even some from as far away as America.
Gavin said he's amazed at how many are joining in with each new session:
“Close to 100 children are taking part in each session and numbers are going up all the time.
"I like a challenge and I’m so pleased Zoom Ballers is keeping kids active and engaged.
"People have been really generous with their donations to our chosen charities too, which is great; and I’m excited that some big names in the sport are getting behind Zoom Ballers as this will motivate and inspire the kids to keep playing.”
While the sessions are free to enter, Gavin has encouraged the parents of those taking part to make a donation to the three charities selected by himself and his wife Kerry, all of which are close to their hearts.
“It was an easy decision really. Kerry and I are long term supporters of Chestnut Tree House so we always support them whenever we can.
"It’s our local children’s hospice and we know how important the care and support they provide is to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.
"The Sussex Snowdrop Trust is another charity very close to our hearts as they helped us when we lost our son, Luke, who was stillborn in 2009.
"Finally, we wanted to support Teenage Cancer Trust as a young lad we know has recently been diagnosed with cancer.”
To get involved and book onto any of the Zoom Baller sessions, please contact Gavin Dutton by emailing zoomballers@gmail.com or find Zoom Ballers on Facebook or Instagram.
Zoom Ballers is open to all children aged 6–15 years – there is no charge to take part, but charitable donations are welcomed.